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Messages - tonythomson

Hi I will be heading into Leesburg Va on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail heading for the C&O Trail. Can you recommend somewhere to stay please in Leesburg or on the road out. Have been looking at motels but they all seem to be on non ridable roads.Thanks

Hi flying in from UK and needing to get from Washington Dulles Airport into Washington DC and planned to use the WOD trail and pick up the Custis Trail.When I Google Custis Trail the only thing that comes up is all about the crime committed on the trail. Can someone give me the low down on using this trail please.ThanksTony

Trying to remember on the ST a small town with a Yacht Club that has no water or boats but is registered as a Yacht Club. Stayed there while passing through but lost all my pics and wondered if anyone can remind me where it is. Driving me mad trying to remember.

I doubt if you are going to have any problem wearing cycling clothes anywhere (different for women in some Muslim countries) the point I made is if you are dirty, smelly and downright disheveled then being on a bike does not not make it ok if you want to go in regular places and meet people. I remember crossing China 20 years ago and having a great time meeting locals - at one point I met a guy who just stank and was clearly filthy and he wondered why he wasn't getting to meet local people also.

If you are going near any touristy sites you can almost guarantee that public toilet facilities will be available. I get in there and have a good strip down wash, makes me feel better and as someone has already said you need to keep your own hygiene up as much as possible for your own health.

Over time I have met others who seem to think being really grubby is some kind of badge, but the reality is it often closes doors to you 'cos who wants a dirty scruffy individual as a guest?

Hi the way Galloper has suggested was/maybe the best way however after this winter many of the railway lines have been destroyed and likely to be months before they are running again. I will try and find out just what is available only September is way off and I doubt if anyone really knows as the moment.

Maybe try contacting CTC if they are organising it as they may decide to run a bus service at the start and the end as neither place is very easy to get to/from. You may also have to book your train ticket from Thurso.. Go on the CTC forum lots of advice there as to different ways people have done it. But yes ride down either coast to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Have fun.

Hi, a couple of questions. Is it imperative that you start at St Augustine? And does your route include using the West Orange Trail?If yes to using the WOT would you consider starting in Winter Garden, a great cycling town, as then you would be welcome to park at my house and if I'm there have a cup of tea (I'm English)

Hi RR not aware of any companies running LEJOG tours but it is done by many people and not too difficult to organise yourself. I guess you are in the USA but you can go onto the CTC site and there you will find endless information on the various routes and places to stay etc.I have done this on my own and it's not too difficult.

PM me if you have any questions and I would be happy to help any way I can.

Hi Linda, what might be a good idea is to give some idea what your plans are for cycling in Florida. As stated above some of the roads are awful, however, there are many trails that are just brilliant and I incorporated these in my ST tour previously. The trails are really so good and pass though some very cycle friendly towns, in fact I've become such a fan that I have recently bought a house on the West Orange Trail near Winter Garden.

Basically with a bit of research and planning there is some great (winter) riding in Florida. Can't wait to get back from the UK.

Another thing you might like to do as part of your prep is to find any abandoned bikes - unclaimed etc - just old junk ones and learn your mechanics by pulling them to pieces and putting them back. Cheap way to learn. Buy the bike you decide on asap and as far as possible have your co-rider get similar - then figure out what tools you need and can double up. Although I always want to have a full set of my own because people do drop out.

I'm with John on this, your young give it a good shot - in the end there is nothing mystical about riding a bike or long distant touring - you just keep going. Don't let anyone put you off. Do your research on your route and time of year. Take a tent and your set to go. My advice would be not to go down the mountain bike route and whatever you buy put the best tyres around on it. We need more youngsters like you willing to go out there and have an adventure - get out of your comfort zone. Should be made compulsory Most of all have fun.